Santa Cycle Rampage Returns for 15th Year

A wildly popular event will return to Milwaukee in December. The Santa Cycle Rampage is taking place on Saturday, December 5. The Wisconsin Bike Fed puts on the annual event as a way to encourage more people to ride bikes all year long. Despite more than a decade of previous rides, this is the first year the organization has put together an official event with registration fees.

“Ridership still drops for most people, so this is still an opportunity to promote the idea of riding year-round and encourage more people to try it,” said the event founder, Dave Schlabowske.

Between 500 and 1,000 people are expected to hit the streets in full Santa suits for the ride, which leaves from Cranky Al's in Wauwatosa at 9:30 a.m. The six-mile ride ends at Lakefront Brewery.

“Riding in a Santa suit is the best experience you’ll have on a bicycle. It’s the only time when you get honked at, [and] everybody is honking because they’re really happy to see you," said Schlabowske.

The event was almost canceled this year. Schlabowske said the focus shifted from winter riding to a pub crawl, which was not the original intent. In order to keep the tradition alive, the Bike Fed organized official details for this year's ride, including a starting and ending point. They are also encouraging participants to register online ahead of time. Participants can also register the day of the event.

Dozens of restaurants, bars and coffee shops throughout Milwaukee are sponsoring the Rampage. While attendees are encouraged to start from Cranky Al's, Schlabowske says interested riders can join the ride at any point throughout the route.

To register online or learn more about this year's Santa Cycle Rampage, click here.